Harbor Montessori

Interesting range of reviews don't you think? One end of the range slams the principal while the other could have been written by her. The academic or child care aspects were perfectly acceptable for our child who was 3 when we started with HMS. We noted an instant change for the better in his behavior at home compared to when he was in a standard day care and he very quickly started showing progress with number/letter recognition as well as other measures. Our main issues with HMS was with admin and office staff. We were consistently billed for services already paid for, the charges being deleted only after we pointed out the mistakes. And if by "strong leadership, making it financially viable with steady growth" the other reviewer meant the principal was skilled at fundraising and harvesting money I would agree. We were able to locate a Montessori school moving to a site much closer to our home so we will go with them since we like the Montessori model. The cost is significantly lower here than HMS and with no volunteer hours obligation. HMS is not convenient for families where both parents work. As the reviewer below writes, Beware of Sonya Cary. Seems trustworthy, but is not.
--Submitted by a parent

Beware of Sonya Cary. Seems trustworthy, but is not. She is running a business.... Good luck parents!
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that each child learns differently and that they will thrive in certain educational environments more than others. I would highly encourage parents to visit and observe potential schools and research to know what will be the best fit for your child. That being said, Harbor Montessori was the perfect fit for our child. Not only did he thrive academically, but I feel even stronger about the values, sense of community, and sense of self that he has come away with from "growing up" in this beautiful environment. HMS has had strong leadership, making it financially viable with steady growth. They attract amazing staff and teachers that eventually become like an extended family. And when the Montessori educational philosophy is done right (like it is at HMS) it can be quite a beautiful thing!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is thriving in this environment. I only wish all children could attend...
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has been going to Harbor Montessori for several years now, and I have to say that it can't be beat. Not only is it a strong, nurturing environment, but the academics are amazing. My wife taught in the public school system and I've always been a big supporter, but when your child is routinely working one or two grade levels above the public system and loving the experience, it's impossible to argue with that level of success.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Harbor Montessori School since he was three, and he is now eight. We decided to keep him at the school after seeing the amazing results. Harbor Montessori teaches grace, courtesy, and a love of learning. My son is thriving at HMS and we look forward to the coming years there.
--Submitted by a parent

Montessori works, and Harbor Montessori is absolutely amazing! My 5 year old is reading all types of books to me already, and my 8 year old knows algebra better than I do! My kids love learning new things, and they look forward to going to school; I think this is because they learn at their own pace and they are not compared to other kids. Students are given all of the guidance and teaching they need (and these teachers are incredible!), but they are also given the responsibility to manage their time. My youngest started here four years ago, after I observed a kindergarten-level class. I couldn't believe what I saw. I recommend an in-class observation for any parent considering what the best education for their children would be.
--Submitted by a parent

Harbor Montessori School is awesome! All of the students receive individualized lessons. There are things available for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. They also have a low student to teacher ratio, and the teachers are highly-trained. The campus is clean & beautiful. It is well worth the money to have an education that is tailored to your student's strengths and needs.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school just before he turned 3. When I enrolled him I was told that the teachers would work with him at what ever academic level he was at. Instead at parent teacher conference three months after school started his teacher was unaware that he was very advanced in math. Not only the teachers not work with the children at their level, instead his passively watched the kids play and did not encourage kids to rotate to other activities, i.e. making beaded necklaces all day.
--Submitted by a parent